🌍 The one that (almost) got away

Hi there,

This week we asked 8 leading European investors working across materials, manufacturing, and industrial systems a simple question: which startups are accelerating Europe’s reindustrialisation?

Here’s who they told us 👇

From AI-designed supply chains and robotic maintenance to carbon-negative materials and bio-based production, these 24 startups were top of mind for investors.

Next up, all these investors, some of the startups mentioned and all these leading companies will be at the HackSummit next week.

If you haven’t already, it’s time to block your schedule, book your travel and come and join us before the chance to join the event slips a-w-a-y…

That’s why this week’s edition is packed with HackSummit highlights and happenings (and we’ll be back after the event with your usual roundup of industry milestones).

Let’s dive right in.

🎤 Who’s On Stage

How do we rebuild Europe's industrial base?

Europe's manufacturing, energy and materials infrastructure were designed for a world that no longer exists.

April 22 is for those rebuilding it across physics, chemistry, and engineering.

Expect candid discussions, small group workshops and actionable lessons on what it takes to build across critical minerals (Hades Mining, Milvus Advanced, DEScycle), energy infrastructure (Voltfang, CorPower, EPYR, Enerdrape), advanced materials (Modern Meadow, Seprify), AI in manufacturing (Altrove, Cloover), in-space production (Pave Space) and frontier resources (Phlair, Hypercube).

🎯 The Ones to Meet at the Startup Fair

At this year’s HackSummit Startup Fair, 30 climate startups are building solutions with industrial relevance, from eDNA biodiversity monitoring and nature-based remediation, to hydrogen-powered maritime fleets, foldable PV systems for commercial rooftops, and micromobility battery reconditioning and recycling.

The lineup reflects the breadth of climate innovation including startups turning CO₂ and water into sustainable fuels, upcycling biogenic CO₂ side-streams into valuable products, developing custom synthetic proteins that bind metals, and reinventing supply chains with competitive circular materials.

The HackSummit Startup Fair is one of the best places to meet founders early and see the technologies shaping the next wave of climate and industrial transformation.

👩‍💻 Hackathon Builder Challenge

5 years in, and we’re finally going back to our roots by hosting a Hackathon.

We’re bringing together engineers, scientists, builders, and creatives for an 18-hour challenge to build solutions that actually matter, focused on the future of industrial renaissance and sovereignty.

On April 22, teams tackle real-world challenges with SICPA.

Through the PROVE track, builders turn the invisible into tamper-resistant proof, using AI, sensing, and authentication tech to verify claims across critical minerals, natural resources, and circular supply chains.

We’ll invite the top teams back to pitch live on the HackSummit main stage on April 23.

⚒️ Meet the teams behind the challenge, become a mentor and see what can happen when you give smart people 18 hours and no off switch.

🪅 Come for the Summit, Stay for the Side Events

Beyond the HackSummit programme, make the most of your trip by joining in the Side Events taking place across the city. 

👩‍💻 Hackathon, April 22

18 hours to build something real. This hackathon brings together the brightest minds from leading technical and business universities to build the future of European Manufacturing.

📈 Hack Pilot Day, April 24

Connect with SMEs facing real operational challenges, and explore where your solution could be relevant, with companies matched to your use cases in advance. The Hack Pilot Day opens new opportunities for startups working on industrial efficiency, built environment performance and food resilience. 

🎊 17 Side Events, April 21-24

Whether you’re up for a HackRun outdoors, unwinding with breathwork, starting the day with breakfast, catching up over beers at the AfterPartys or taking a site visit to Voltiris, Enerdrape, Windworks, CompPair and Sunaxer, there’s something for everyone.

The Hack Week is just around the corner, if you’re ready to join us use code FINALCALL for 15% off your pass.

And yes, we’ll be back in your inbox after the HackSummit with your weekly dose of ClimateTech milestones and funding rounds each Friday, as usual.

Hope to see you in Lausanne next week.

Laura at Hack